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ADU Town Regulations

Topsham, ME

May 22, 2024

Last Updated

About

Topsham, Maine, is a charming town located in Sagadahoc County, known for its rich history and close-knit community. As of 2024, the town has an estimated population of 9,766. Topsham offers a mix of suburban and rural living, with easy access to the amenities of nearby cities like Brunswick and Portland. The town is also home to the popular annual Topsham Fair, which celebrates the area's agricultural heritage. With its scenic surroundings and growing community that features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, Topsham is an attractive place for families and visitors alike to explore and enjoy.

ADU Rules

  • ADU’s are accessory dwelling units and may be part of a single-family home or they may be in a separate detached building located on a property containing only a single-family home.

  • One (1) ADU is permitted per lot, regardless of density requirements

  • The ADU must have a minimum of 500 square feet of living space and meet all building and fire code standards

  • An ADU includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

  • ADU is not a term found in the town code but are recognized as either a separate dwelling unit or as a living space within the main unit.

  • A home with an ADU may remain a Single-Family-Home occupancy provided at a minimum there is interior communicating space with the main unit and the entire building is protected by an interconnected smoke detection system.

  • The town code does not limit the number of family members that can occupy the unit but does limit the number of outsiders to 3.

  • An ADU may also be constructed as a Two-Family-Dwelling occupancy. This includes fire separation, separate addresses, and separate utilities.

  • If the ADU project will be served using a septic system, the Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules will apply.

    • The rules dictate required septic system size and tank size based on factors such as number of bedrooms and number of dwelling units.

  • An attached ADU may be regulated as a dwelling unit or as an in-law apartment depending on the building occupancy.

  • A detached ADU is considered a separate dwelling unit under the rules.

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